The Burbank City Council has approved a policy permitting transient merchants who offer low-cost items reminiscent of those found at amusement parks and carnivals to operate in the previously upscale downtown Burbank area. These vendors are allowed to rent spaces for significantly lower rates compared to the traditional brick-and-mortar shops and restaurants, which has sparked discontent among the latter group, citing that this move has detracted from the area’s prestige. Furthermore, the council has reconfigured downtown Burbank’s traffic layout, transforming it from a two-way to a one-way street system, which, coupled with the significant reduction of available parking spaces in favor of bike lanes, has disrupted the convenience for a considerable number of customers who travel from various parts of Los Angeles to shop, dine, and enjoy entertainment in the area. This series of changes has been met with considerable opposition from the community. Those who wish to express their concerns or opposition to these decisions are encouraged to contact the City Clerk at (818) 238-5851 to request that their feedback be presented to the city council.
